BIG-FAT-MAMA 7oz Sterling One Eye Mourning Lady Bell

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Powered by Auction Hawk 7oz. Sterling One Eye Mourning Lady Bell. Heavy-Largest Size-South American-Silver Investment Quality What a find! The largest I have seen. She is magnificent! Hand stamped decorations & embellishments on her bodice and skirt. Weighing in at 219 grams (7 full ounces of sterling silver)---is why I call her our BIG-FAT MAMA bell. Size 3 /4" tall x 2 1/2" wide at hem. She has one spooky eye peeking ourt from behind her veiled face, as her other hand holds the veil closed. She has on bangle bracelets and holds the traditional hankie. Mint condition; no dents or repairs. Original clapper. Several ideas on uses for this bell in Peru. 1) Rung in mourning at a funeral then given to a close loved one. 2) Given as an "Event" bell, for birth, wedding, etc. 3) Used in Peru by a family member to guide or warn a blind loved one. 4) Decorations on costume are all different and said to be chosen by loved one commissioning the bell for its "special purpose". 5. Rung to guide soul to heaven after death. All hand made. This bell at 7 oz is also an investment. Feb. 2008 silver hit $17 per oz. Some predict silver to go back to $50 per ounce with inflation. In 1980 silver topped at $68.00 per ounce, which would have made this bell worth $450.00 in silver melt value. (She is far too pretty to melt) We all know metals go up and down, but this is surely an investment piece and much prettier to enjoy than a silver bullion bar. Be sure to see the "mini" similar bell on our other auctions. Please see all pictures below and our other auctions for additional vintage bells from two large estates. We will be selling bells from the estate of Jan Edmonson, past president of the American Bell Association, and Margret Leffel, a large collector from Oregon. Buyer to pay $9.00 shipping and handling, plus insurance set at close. Silver Historical Background Silver has attracted manâe(tm)s fascination for many thousands of years. Ancient civilizations found silver deposits plentiful on or near the earthâe(tm)s surface. Relics of these civilizations, include jewelry, religious artifacts, and food vessels formed from the durable, malleable metal. This metal took on near mystical qualities in marking important historical milestones throughout the ages, and served as a medium of exchange. The Mesopotamian merchants were doing just that as early as 700 BC. In 1792, silver assumed a key role in the United States monetary system when Congress based the currency on the silver dollar, and its fixed relationship to gold. Silver was used for the nationâe(tm)s coinage until its use was discontinued in 1965. The dawn of the 20th century marked an important economic function for silver, that of an industrial raw material. Today, silver is sought as a valuable and practical industrial commodity, as well as an appealing investment precious metal. Many countries now issue silver bullion coins, among them the Unites States, Canada and Mexico. Private issue silver bullion is also available from select private mints. Although silver is relatively scarce, it is the most plentiful and least expensive of the precious metals. The largest silver producing countries are Mexico, Peru, the United States, Australia and Chile. Sources of silver include; silver mined directly, silver mined as a by-product of gold, copper, lead and zinc mining, and silver extracted from recycled materials, primarily used photographic materials. Today, silver bullion stocks make up a significant component of silver supply. Shipping & Handling Payment Shipping: $7.00Insurance: $2.00 (optional) Buyer to pay $9.00 shipp. plus $2 per $100 for insurance. Please allow for slow mail to small Oregon Coastal town. We accept Paypal. read more

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